'So tough,' two-time Dubai World Cup hero Thunder Snow retires

Thunder Snow, the only horse to win multiple renewals of the Dubai World Cup (G1), has called it a career.

Godolphin announced the news Tuesday, saying its homebred -- a Group 1 winner at ages 2 through 5 -- would have his stud plans set "shortly."

“Thunder Snow created history by winning the Dubai World Cup twice and provided us with two brilliant results in France, capturing the Criterium International and the Prix Jean Prat," said trainer Saeed bin Suroor. "He ran great races on dirt and turf at some of the world’s top meetings and was a superstar for us.

“He was a class horse, who was very professional and easy to train. He was extremely tough and always tried his hardest in everything he did. He was one of the best horses to ever race for Godolphin and it was a privilege to train him.

“We will all miss him at Godolphin Stables but he retires at the top and we can look forward to seeing his progeny. I am sure that he will become a top stallion over the coming years.”

Back in America, however, he scratched the morning of the Whitney Stakes (G1) with a fever, and another apparent setback prevented him from prepping for and running in last Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic.

  Earlier this season, the 5-year-old son of Helmet debuted with a second the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (G1) before defeating Gronkowski in a memorable stretch duel to the World Cup at Meydan. That added to his 2018 score in the lucrative race.

Thunder Snow shows $16.5 million in career earnings with an 8-7-4 record in 24 starts, coming a long way since he bucked and declined to run at the start of the 2017 Kentucky Derby.

Godolphin runs a worldwide breeding operation, with Thunder Snow's list of potential destinations including Darley America's Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Ky.